Managing Chronic Pain on the Go: How Medical Marijuana Could Help

With the loosening of controls on marijuana use in the United States, some people are beginning to advocate its use to treat chronic pain. Historically, the use of marijuana as a medicinal plant is well documented. At present, there is a considerable demand for more natural, non-addictive ways to manage pain. The damage caused by the overprescription of painkillers such as opiates has left many considering marijuana as an alternative.

How Marijuana Can Alleviate Pain

For many women, managing chronic pain is a continual battle. Pain is distracting at best and debilitating at worst, so finding ways to mitigate it effectively is a high priority. While there is a large number of pharmaceuticals used for this, many would like a natural alternative.

For this reason, using marijuana to manage chronic pain is becoming increasingly popular. Cannabinoid receptors can be found throughout your body and are an important factor in how you experience pain. Your body naturally produces cannabinoids that act on these receptors, but many believe that substances containing these compounds can affect how we experience pain.

THC or CBD?

There are two main cannabinoids present in marijuana. The first is cannabidiol (CBD) and the second tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). While both of these are similar in molecular structure, they have significantly different effects on you. Both compounds are psychoactive, but THC is responsible for producing the “high” commonly associated with marijuana use.

While there have been claims that both of these cannabinoids could be effective in managing pain, the absence of the euphoric sensation when using CBD could make it a more viable tool for the busier woman. Despite this, what works for you might be different from what works for others, so consider consulting a professional to discuss your options.

Could Medical Marijuana Work for You?

If you suffer from a condition that causes chronic pain or are undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy that are causing nausea or loss of appetite, then cannabinoids could help. If you live in a state where the medical use of cannabis is permitted and you have a qualifying condition, it might be worth discussing your options with your doctor.

Medical marijuana can help some people manage a wide range of symptoms – from epilepsy to chronic pain. Services like DoctorsRx offer consultations with medical professionals to determine whether medicinal cannabis could be beneficial. It is essential to meet with a trained professional before using marijuana to treat medical conditions.

The Takeaway

Overall, the use of marijuana as a tool to mitigate chronic pain shows promise. More research still needs to be done on how to treat specific conditions best, but this is on the horizon with the push to legalize cannabis use in the United States.

Both THC and CBD are considered safe to take, but there is a possibility that they could interact with other drugs you might be taking. Therefore, it is vital to consult a medical professional or medicinal cannabis clinician before deciding whether cannabinoids might work for you.